Rivers, reservoirs and trails offer a varied thread of discovery in Hillsborough. Experiences range from waterside views and activities to longer routes through forests, flatwoods and hammocks. Differences in route type and landscape help you choose an outing based on your interests.

Water Views and River Activities

Hillsborough County manages 16 public boat ramps providing access to freshwater lakes and rivers, as well as Tampa Bay. At Edward Medard Conservation Park, views of the water come with other opportunities: an observation platform overlooks the reservoir, which covers 700 acres and is used for canoeing, boating and fishing. Nearby, a three-mile trail winds through pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks. This offers water-based experiences and nature trails as distinct options.

John B. Sargeant Conservation Park also draws attention to the Hillsborough River. Boats can access the river there; the park also has a small boat ramp, a boardwalk, and facilities for picnicking and fishing. Canoes and kayaks can be rented on site at the park office. If you plan to take advantage of this option, check current availability before your visit.

Trails Through Forests, Flatwoods and Hammocks

At Hillsborough River State Park, nature trails meet river experiences: the park offers seven miles of trails and opportunities to observe wildlife. Visitors can also watch Class II rapids and canoe or kayak along the Hillsborough River. This makes it possible to choose between land- and water-based activities as different focuses.

Alafia River State Park offers a different experience, with 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods. The routes are intended for hikers and horseback riders. The park is a reclaimed phosphate mine and features some of the greatest elevation changes in the state. Canoeing and fishing are also possible on the South Prong of the Alafia River. The landscape, trails and river activities are different aspects of the park.

A shorter, clearly defined route is available at Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park: its 1.9-mile paved loop runs along the north and south prongs of the Alafia River. The park is also on the historic site of a river crossing established by settler James Alderman in 1848. For overnight tent stays, the park has four remote campsites. Lake Dan Nature Preserve offers a different route type, with an approximately 2.5-mile out-and-back hike to Lake Dan. The loop at Alderman’s Ford is shorter than the out-and-back hike to Lake Dan.

Dead River Conservation Park is managed as a remote park and is accessible only on foot or by bicycle. Its 2.8-mile hiking trail follows the Hillsborough River through shaded oak and palm hammocks. The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve is on a much larger scale: it encompasses 16,000 acres of protected land and more than 60 miles of trails. This places a single river route and an extensive network of trails side by side as distinct options.

Cultural History and City Views

In Tampa, Ybor City Museum State Park tells the story of Ybor City’s cultural history and the cigar industry. The museum is located in the historic Ferlita Bakery. Self-guided exhibits provide information in written and audio formats, complemented by a video presentation. The park is one of Florida’s two National Historic Landmark Districts. A visit therefore connects a specific historic building with the history of a major economic sector.

Another historic landmark is the Tampa Bay Hotel. It was built between 1888 and 1891 as the centerpiece of Henry Bradley Plant’s railroad, steamship and hotel empire. The grounds covered 150 acres and featured tropical plants and garden sculptures.

In Tampa itself, the Tampa Riverwalk stretches 2.6 miles along the Hillsborough River. The pedestrian-friendly waterfront trail connects parks, museums, restaurants and other attractions. As an urban route, it differs from nature trails and river parks: the focus here is on linking a variety of city destinations and following the waterfront.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Plant City, Tampa, Ruskin, Seffner, Riverview, Odessa, Brandon, Lutz, Temple Terrace, Sun City Center, Thonotosassa, Lake Magdalene, Town 'N' Country, Apollo Beach.

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